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ANDRE Greipel confirmed his status as the most decorated rider in Tour Down Under history by winning today's stage from Modbury to Tanunda.

The victory was the German’s 13th stage win in Adelaide, moving him ahead of Robbie McEwen (12).

Greipel, who was the overall winner of the race in 2008 and 2010, was led out superbly by his Lotto Belisol team-mates, including Greg Henderson who took the final turn before unleashing the man known as ‘the Gorilla’.

“With a headwind, the last two kilometres was pretty messy and the team did a good job to keep me in the front,” Greipel said.

“We waited as long as possible and I think we did a perfect lead out again. We work good together, it’s just nice to have those teammates.”

Andre Greipel wins Stage 4Source:AFP

It was a crash-marred finish to today’s stage with a number of riders hitting the deck in the final kilometre.

Australian cyclist Graeme Brown was taken to hospital for X-rays on a suspected broken hand and compatriot Bernie Sulzberger is also going for scans for a suspected broken finger.

They were involved in a horrific crash that took down about 15 riders inside the last kilometre of the 126.5km stage from Modbury to Tanunda.

As the peloton wound up the speed for the sprint finish there were also two smaller crashes, one involving American sprinter Tyler Farrar.

Andre Greipel wins Stage 4Source:AFP

Despite the crashes, the only rider not to finish the stage was Australian Nathan Haas.

He pulled out in the first few kilometres of the stage because of illness.

Geraint Thomas retained the ochre jersey, avoiding the carnage to enter tomorrow’s critical stage up Old Willunga Hill with a five-second lead.

“It was pretty dodgy there and a stressful day really,” Thomas said.

Andre Greipel wins Stage 4Source:AFP

“We stayed near the front with about 10km to go and we come out of here out of trouble.”

World champion Phillipe Gilbert and South Aussie youngster Damien Howson were named the most aggressive riders for the day after forming a two-man breakaway which stayed off the front for most of the stage.